'Speed up release of undertrial prisoners': PM Modi at All India District Legal Services Authorities meeting

Pic Credit: ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the he inaugural session of the first All India District Legal Services Authorities meeting at 10 a.m. The Prime Minister and DLSAs deliberated on different aspects relating to the judiciary and ensuring justice for all. Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Union Minister of Law & justice Kiren Rijiju were also present at the meeting.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the first-ever national-level meeting of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) is being organised from July 30-31 at Vigyan Bhawan by National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The meeting will deliberate on the creation of an integrated procedure in order to bring homogeneity and synchronisation across DLSAs.There are a total of 676 District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in the country.

At the event, PM Modi spoke about the work done to face pace India's judicial infrastructure. "As important as access to the judicial system is for any society, justice delivery is equally important. The judicial infrastructure has an important contribution to this. In the last 8 yrs, work has been done at a fast pace to strengthen judicial infrastructure in India," he said as quoted by ANI.

He further said, "Under e-Courts Mission, virtual courts are being started in India. 24-hour courts have started functioning for crimes like traffic violations. Video conferencing infrastructure is also being expanded in courts."

Under e-Courts Mission, virtual courts are being started in India. 24-hour courts have started functioning for crimes like traffic violations. Video conferencing infrastructure is also being expanded in courts: PM Modi at 1st All India District Legal Service Authorities meet pic.twitter.com/ojVs8tciDo

— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2022

CJI NV Ramana reiterated the importance of district judicial officers as they are the first point of contact for the majority of the population.

"District judicial officers are the first point of contact for the majority of the population. Public opinion of the judiciary is based on experience with the district judiciary. Strengthening district judiciary is the need of the hour," said CJI NV Ramana.

District judicial officers are the first point of contact for the majority of the population. Public opinion of the judiciary is based on experience with the district judiciary. Strengthening district judiciary is the need of the hour: CJI NV Ramana pic.twitter.com/O2qE0wpfJb — ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2022

They are headed by a District Judge who acts as Chairman of the authority. Through DLSAs and State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs), various legal aid and awareness programmes are implemented by NALSA.The DLSAs also contribute towards reducing the burden on courts by regulating the Lok Adalats conducted by NALSA.

(With agency inputs)